Entry
パオーン
paoon
This word mimics the loud trumpeting sound made by an elephant.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
パオーン is an onomatopoeia used specifically to describe the loud, resonant trumpeting sound of an elephant, often found in children's books or casual contexts.
- elephant sound
- mimicking an elephant
Sense Map
Elephant Sound
The loud trumpeting sound of a real elephant.
象がパオーンと鳴く。
Children Mimicking
An imitation of an elephant sound made by children or toys.
子供がパオーンと真似をする。
Usage Note
How to Use
パオーンと鳴く
This pattern pairs with a verb to state that an elephant is trumpeting.
パオーンという声
This pattern creates a noun phrase meaning an elephant's trumpeting sound.
パオーンと
This pattern pairs with a verb to state that an elephant is trumpeting.
How to Use
Common Phrases
パオーンと鳴く
to trumpet (like an elephant)
パオーンという声
an elephant's call
パオーンと吠える
to roar loudly (elephant)
象がパオーン
elephant trumpeting
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Children's books | Playful | Gives a cute impression that is easy for young children to understand. |
| Zoos | Neutral | Used descriptively for the real-life sound of an elephant. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぷー ぷー / similar | Used for the sound of a horn, trumpet, or blowing air. | Not used for loud animal sounds like an elephant. | ラッパがプーと鳴る。 |
ほう ほう / similar | Used for the hooting of an owl or a sound of surprise. | Not used for the loud cries of large animals. | ふくろうがほうと鳴く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for the roar of a tiger or lion.
This word is exclusively for the trumpeting sound of an elephant.
Using it in formal reports or serious news.
It is a childish and casual word, best suited for storybooks.
Examples
Examples
象がパオーンと鳴いた。
ぞうがパオーンとないた。
The elephant trumpeted loudly.
LiteralA direct description of an elephant's sound.
絵本から「パオーン」という声が聞こえる。
えほんから「パオーン」というこえがきこえる。
A trumpeting sound can be heard from the picture book.
LiteralRefers to the animal sound represented in a children's book.
子供がパオーンと象の真似をした。
こどもがパオーンとぞうのまねをした。
The child mimicked an elephant by trumpeting.
LiteralDescribes someone imitating the animal sound.
動物園で大きな象がパオーンと鳴いている。
どうぶつえんでおおきなぞうがパオーンとないている。
A large elephant is trumpeting at the zoo.
LiteralA realistic scene of observing a vocalizing elephant.
パオーンと大きな声を上げて、象が水浴びを楽しんでいる。
パオーンとおおきなこえをあげて、ぞうがみずあびをたのしんでいる。
The elephant is enjoying a bath while letting out a loud trumpet.
VisualFocuses on the physical activity of the animal accompanied by its call.
Similar Words
プー
puu
プー (puu) represents a flat, sustained sound of air or gas being expelled, such as a toot, honk, or puff. Used for blown instruments, not animals.
ほう
hou
An exclamation like 'oh' or 'ho' expressing surprise or admiration, or a sound imitating an owl or a flute. The sound of an owl, not an elephant.
Questions
Can this word be used for animals other than elephants?
No, this word is specifically used to describe an elephant's sound.
Do adults use this word often?
Adults might use it when talking to children, but rarely in formal conversations.
What is the closest English equivalent?
There is no single word, but toot or pawoo are often used to represent it.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2868547
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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